PowerMe
Well-Known Member
As a short female (5'0") I know first-hand the challenge of finding and selecting a suitable ebike.
Rather than suggest specific brands and models I'll instead give some good guidelines to use to help narrow down and filter out choices.
Especially Useful For a Short Rider:
- smaller tire size (26 inch or, for riders shorter than 4'10", 24 inch tires). IMO it's best to stay away from the large 700c tires if you can.
- step thru and low-step-thru frame is a short person's best frame (IMO) because you don't have a top bar to contend with.
- small or medium size frame. Either may work just fine, especially in combo with a low step-thru frame. My ebike has a size M frame but it works for me.
- adjustable handlebars to accommodate different riding positions and more or less reach.
- handlebars that are not too wide. Some cruiser models have very wide handlebars. These can be awkward for shorter riders. Avoid if possible.
What About Putting Feet On Ground When Sitting?
This is often desired, but not needed *if* you are physically able to ride a bike and get on and off the seat. You need to be sitting up high enough so that your leg is bent to 15 degrees on the furthest downstroke position and you need to be positioned correctly so that your legs are over the crank. Proper pedaling position will allow you to ride without doing damage to your knees. This positioning is something a local bike shop with qualified employees can easily help you achieve.
On my ebike (a low step-thru model), I cannot sit on the saddle and touch my feet to the ground--not even my toes. It's easy to learn how to start riding and stop and step off the seat properly. It becomes second nature. On my ebike I start with pedal assist on the lowest level. I never use my throttle.
HERE IS A PAGE WITH A SHORT VIDEO that illustrates the proper method of starting and stopping your ride.
HOWEVER, *IF* you are unable to start or stop your bike without losing your balance and falling over, then a 2-wheel ebike may not be the right choice -or- you may need a bike that is designed for a rider to have feet on ground or even a 3 wheel trike type ebike.
Rather than suggest specific brands and models I'll instead give some good guidelines to use to help narrow down and filter out choices.
Especially Useful For a Short Rider:
- smaller tire size (26 inch or, for riders shorter than 4'10", 24 inch tires). IMO it's best to stay away from the large 700c tires if you can.
- step thru and low-step-thru frame is a short person's best frame (IMO) because you don't have a top bar to contend with.
- small or medium size frame. Either may work just fine, especially in combo with a low step-thru frame. My ebike has a size M frame but it works for me.
- adjustable handlebars to accommodate different riding positions and more or less reach.
- handlebars that are not too wide. Some cruiser models have very wide handlebars. These can be awkward for shorter riders. Avoid if possible.
What About Putting Feet On Ground When Sitting?
This is often desired, but not needed *if* you are physically able to ride a bike and get on and off the seat. You need to be sitting up high enough so that your leg is bent to 15 degrees on the furthest downstroke position and you need to be positioned correctly so that your legs are over the crank. Proper pedaling position will allow you to ride without doing damage to your knees. This positioning is something a local bike shop with qualified employees can easily help you achieve.
On my ebike (a low step-thru model), I cannot sit on the saddle and touch my feet to the ground--not even my toes. It's easy to learn how to start riding and stop and step off the seat properly. It becomes second nature. On my ebike I start with pedal assist on the lowest level. I never use my throttle.
HERE IS A PAGE WITH A SHORT VIDEO that illustrates the proper method of starting and stopping your ride.
HOWEVER, *IF* you are unable to start or stop your bike without losing your balance and falling over, then a 2-wheel ebike may not be the right choice -or- you may need a bike that is designed for a rider to have feet on ground or even a 3 wheel trike type ebike.
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